Indonesia (November 16, 2023) – Department of National Defense Secretary Gilberto C. Teodoro, Jr. and Viet Nam’s Minister of National Defense, General Phan Van Giang, met for the first time, to discuss bilateral defense cooperation, on the sidelines of the 10th ADMM-Plus in Jakarta.

The Ministers underscored the importance of deepening defense cooperation between the two countries through high-level exchanges. They also welcomed the upcoming reconvening of the Vice Ministers’ Defense Strategic Dialogue (VMDSD) and Defense Cooperation Working Group (DCWG) meetings, which were previously postponed due to the pandemic.

Secretary Teodoro also emphasized that Viet Nam is the only ASEAN Member State that is a declared Strategic Partner of the Philippines. In this regard, the two Ministers encouraged their senior and working-level officials to identify ways to enhance the defense partnership between the two countries.

Secretary Teodoro then expressed his appreciation for Viet Nam’s support on the 2016 South China Sea Arbitration Award and the Philippines’ position on the matter. The Ministers also placed emphasis on strengthening both countries’ maritime capabilities and resilience, the continuing interaction between the two armed forces, and the collaboration among Major Services, in enhancing interoperability.

As both sides expressed appreciation for the outcome of their first meeting, Secretary Teodoro welcomed more visits from the Ministry of National Defense and Armed Forces of Viet Nam in the future.